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Malaysia Shopping
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What I liked about the shopping in KK is the fact that you have a large variety!
Take a stroll to the markets and get handicraft bargains. If you're more into serious shopping the malls and department stores can satisfy your needs. They're a fusion of local and international brands.
This article is based on my trip to Kota Kinabalu in June 2009.
Enjoy! :-)
During the evenings, take a walk to the Filipino market located next to the waterfront. When you've passed the food stalls, you'll arrive at the shopping side of Filipino market. They sell local handicrafts and souvenirs from around the region.
Sabah is a paradise of pearls, and here at Handicraft Market you can buy jewelry made from these pearls.
You'll meet friendly sellers who are willing to bargain. But always remember to compare prices before you make your mind.
Open: According to Sabah Tourism Board, the market is open from 07.30 am to 07.30 pm.
For more information on the food section at Filipino Market, click here.
You also have the Sunday Market on Gaya street. I've never visited this market, but according to other travelers it's supposed to be good. The Sunday Market is open till 01.00 pm.
There are several malls in Kota Kinabalu, most of them located near the waterfront.
If your accommodation is in the center of KK, it might take you 10-15 minutes to walk to the malls depending on which mall you choose.
What so great about the location of the department stores is the fact that you can take a short walk to the waterfront, find a bench and just enjoy the view! :-)
Centerpoint reminded me of the traditional malls in the Philippines and MBK in Bangkok: there are rows of small shops selling cheap clothing, accessories and footwear.
If you get hungry, go to ground floor and find Western and Malay restaurants.
Prices: Shoes RM 6.90, skirts RM 19.90, bras RM 9.90
Tops, skirts and shirts: RM 17.90, 23.90, 19.90, 36.90
Dresses: RM 30
They've got a tattoo shop called Culture Shock. I stopped by them and the price for a regular and small tattoo starts from RM 50.
Their hair and beauty salons are on the second floor. I went to a salon where an older Malay lady washed and cut my hair for less than RM 40.
As one of the main shopping malls in Kota Kinabalu, they have everything you need: cheap clothing and footwear on the second floor, electronics, beauty salons and massage parlors on the second floor. Pharmacies are located on the ground floor.
The only thing I bought at Merdeka was flag patches for my backpack. They cost RM 4,5.
Other than that they can offer you Western brands like Nike, Adidas and Body Shop. If you get hungry during your shopping stop by the Malay restaurants on second floor. If Malaysian food doesn't suit your taste they have McDonalds, KFC and the Coffee Bean.
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What sets this mall apart from the others is probably their classy and hip concept. Several shops are promoting local and international brands. I spent my time and money on Quiksilver/Roxy located on the ground floor :-)
Traditional body massage (1 hour): RM 50
Foot reflex (1 hour): RM 35
Pedicure and manicure: RM 40
Foot scrub (1 hour): RM 35
Body scrub: RM 85
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